Herstmonceux MP Welcomes Heathrow Expansion

Herstmonceux’s MP has joined with the Home Secretary to welcome the Government’s decision to create extra airport capacity.

Huw Merriman and Amber Rudd, who’s also the MP for Hastings, are backing the recommendation to expand Heathrow Airport, saying it’ll be worth over £61billion to the economy over 60 years and will generate 77,000 jobs over the next 14 years.

Huw said, "Both Heathrow and Gatwick delivered strong bids to win preferred status for airport expansion. Following the decision by the Government to recommend expansion of Heathrow, I have written to both airports. To Heathrow, I have offered my congratulations and urged them to ensure that they push for early completion. To Gatwick, I offered my commiserations and assured them that, as a Sussex MP representing many of their employees, I will do all I can to support their existing business.

“Expansion of Gatwick may have brought economic benefits to the constituency but it could have impacted some residents via noise pollution. Expansion of Heathrow was supported as the preferred option by the Transport Select Committee which I sit on. I look forward to using my position on this committee to ensure that the expansion of Heathrow becomes a reality."

Home Secretary Amber Rudd commented, “The Government’s decision to endorse the independent Airports Commission’s recommendation for a new runway at Heathrow will secure Britain’s strong links with global partners and growing markets.

“Passengers will benefit from a greater choice of airlines, destinations and flight times, and the UK will be better connected to the world creating thousands of jobs, boosting our economy and creating new opportunities for businesses.”